Everton are ‘definitely’ still in the conversation for Manchester United midfielder James Garner, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 21-year-old has reportedly been made available for transfer by his boyhood club and is expected to seek pastures new ahead of Thursday’s deadline following an impressive 2021/22 campaign.

What is the latest news involving Garner?

A report from the Manchester Evening News (MEN) earlier this month revealed that United have decided to offload Garner on a permanent basis after Erik ten Hag could find no place for him in his first-team plans.

It’s believed that a fee in the region of £15 million and £20m would be enough to prise the England Under-21 international away from Old Trafford.

And The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stated that Garner is Everton’s ‘top target’ either in addition to or as an alternative to Paris Saint-Germain’s Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Ornstein has also disclosed that the Toffees are waiting for United to ‘engage’ with them, though, while MEN have listed Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton amongst Garner’s potential suitors.

The classy operator has two years remaining on his £17,000-per-week contract, and the Red Devils may feel the current window is one of their last opportunities to receive a significant fee for him.

What has Jones said about Garner?

Jones believes that Everton are still attempting to get ‘three people through the door’ before the transfer window slams shut as they look to avoid another relegation battle.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “They are definitely still in that conversation for Garner as well.

“So, we'll find out very quickly where Everton are going to be in terms of shaping up this season because if they don't get three people through the door, Frank Lampard knows that he’s in a relegation battle.”

Would Garner be a good signing?

Garner has been limited to just seven senior appearances for United, yet showed his true potential during an 18-month loan spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship.

The 6 foot 1 technician registered eight goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances for the Midlands outfit, ultimately playing a crucial role in their promotion back to the Premier League.

And with Garner’s ability to play defence-splitting passes, couple with his threat from set-pieces and defensive contribution, it’s clear to see why Everton are in the running for his signature.

Garner could form a nice balance in the midfield with the likes of Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure, providing a boost to Lampard’s ambitions this season.